How to replace cv's on a 97 civic!

[jrinco11]

hey ya'll, I was wondering if anyone had detailed instructions on how to change the cv axels/joints on a 97 civic (sohc, manual, no antilock) -- been hearing knocking noises when ever I turn and accelerate, and found both boots to be badly torn!, I also took it to kauffman tire and they confirmed it lol -- i've looked around on some sites that show how to do it on a 92 civic, integras, and etc, and i'm not quite confident to try it w/out exact step-by-step directions! (plus, i don't want to have to pay the $150+ for labor when it seems like it's not too difficult to diy, and I have the tools most diy guides have shown)

thanks in advance!

[jon84]

i would take it somewhere unless u have air

[jrinco11]

i've got big breaker bars -- it just seems like a waste to have to pay upwards around $200 to get it done somewhere when it seems like I could do it my self :-\

[jon84]

well its going to be a pain getten the cv bolt off,and u also have to take the strut lose from the bottom,and the spindle bolt out should both be a 17

[xbn83]

i would take it somewhere unless u have air

You don't need air tool to change axle! I've done it hundred of times by hand tools. The hardest parts probably spinning the hub nut off, but with a breaker bar and a long metal pipe will do it, and separate the lower control arm (use fork). Pry bar is very helful to separate the axle out. This should be very similar to your car: http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/showthread.php?t=173647

[jrinco11]

ahh, thanks for the guide -- so is it okay to take both axle nuts off before putting the car on jack stands? (i'd probably be doing this myself, so i woudlt' have anyone to hold the brake w/the car in the air)

[jon84]

yeah thats cool

[xbn83]

ahh, thanks for the guide -- so is it okay to take both axle nuts off before putting the car on jack stands? (i'd probably be doing this myself, so i woudlt' have anyone to hold the brake w/the car in the air)

Without air tools, you need to loosen a hub nut while the car is on the ground, so the tire won't turn as you try to take the nut off. And after that you could put on jack stand.

[jrinco11]

seems easy enough -- the only thing that's not clear to me is where to use the pry bar to get the end of the axle that is in the transmission -- will it be more obvious once i'm doing it?

[speedminded]

seems easy enough -- the only thing that's not clear to me is where to use the pry bar to get the end of the axle that is in the transmission -- will it be more obvious once i'm doing it?You can just give it a good pull by hand....or use a decent sized screwdriver, once you get under there its really obvious and is rarely difficult to pull out.

You'll need a 32mm socket for the axle nut and a breaker bar large enough to break it loose, other than that the rest is really simple.

[jrinco11]

awesome, thanks for the heads up everyone -- i'll go pick me up the axles at autozone and hope my current ones last another week when i have to do this haha

[TheProfiteer]

This procedure is very easy, bring it to me ill do it for $75 =)

[AnthonyF]

Hondas are easier the hookers. Goinfasterthanyou changes his axels out at the track. lol. once u've done it a few times (breaking the original rust off) it's easier than hell

[xb1]

You can just give it a good pull by hand....or use a decent sized screwdriver, once you get under there its really obvious and is rarely difficult to pull out.

You'll need a 32mm socket for the axle nut and a breaker bar large enough to break it loose, other than that the rest is really simple.

I found out today that the S2K uses a 36mm spindle nut. :doh:

Also good to have is a decent sized deadblow hammer when you need to get the new axle into the tranny.